Joining VYVA FAQs – please read before contacting us
So you are thinking about joining VYVA?
Here are some of our more FAQs!
Will I get jobs?
This is the most common question we get asked, and to be honest, it’s the one we really cannot answer. We will provide you with information about jobs which are posted to us via our site or via phone and after that, it is up to you to convince the potential client that you are the one for the job.
We generally have fairly regular jobleads (sometimes lots, sometimes none), but they are not always going to be matched to your skills, location or rates. And sometimes, when you speak to the client, you just won’t feel like you are a good match.
Other times the job sounds perfect for you, the client thinks you sound perfect for them, and you have a wonderful business match!
When this is the case, the client relationship is in your hands from then on – you need to ensure you have an agreement in place, any insurances you might need, an invoicing system etc, so that you can provide that service to that client.
While we are happy to help if you have any issues, at the end of the day, they are your client, not ours.
How do I get support from VYVA?
The VYVA forums are simply amazing. The wealth of knowledge, support, humour and honesty is absolutely incredible. This is a tool that money can’t buy and you get out of it what you put in.
Networking in business is vital, and in this industry, it’s vital that you also network with your peers. They will make you stronger, connect you with more businesses and be that shoulder you may need as you ride the roller coaster of business ownership!
The forums are run through Yahoo Groups and this means that once registered to the groups, you won’t need to log into Yahoo Groups as the emails will be sent directly to your chosen email address and you can send messages to the forum straight from your own email! Fantastic!
What else do I get?
Once registered and logged into this website, you will see a large navigation open up to you on the right hand side of this page.
This includes access to
- Training opportunities and recordings
- Articles about working from home and working with other VAs etc
- Access to useful documents/files
- Skill testing
- And the VYVA Loves You! Section where we include some more fun tips and ideas.
You get lots of support from not only VYVA members, but from the VYVA Manager, Rosie Shilo, who is always happy to respond to your questions.
Is this just for new VAs? Or just for experienced VAs?
No this forum is for ALL VAs and all VAs will see the benefits of their membership.
Running a business can be very hard and with technology evolving as it does, you will always have questions, new things to learn, whether you are new or well established.
We also have a separate forum for new or struggling VAs to ask questions they might feel more embarrassed about (even though there is no need to feel embarrassed!) – this forum is the newbie cheer squad called VYVA Plus and that’s where you can really ask the base level business questions to get you off the ground.
Our workshops are run regularly and are aimed at all VAs. They have included sessions about business insurance, VOIP systems, using Dreamweaver, setting up businesses, writing resumes etc.
How much does it cost?
Membership is monthly and costs AU$15 per month payable via paypal subscription.
There are no other costs unless you want to take advantage of special training events or workshops, which cost anywhere from $10 to $400 each depending on what they are for.
Advertising with Virtually Yours!
Advertising with Virtually Yours is a great way to communicate with business owners and loads of Virtual Assistants!
There are additional opportunities you can take advantage of with your advertising, on top of being listed on one of Australia’s leading Virtual Assistant Networking sites!
Your advertising includes:
- Promotions on the Virtually Yours facebook and Twitter pages.
- Opportunities for you to promote special deals for our members.
- Listing on all of our pages on prime real estate!
Pricing (Aus Dollars):
- 1 month – $150
- 2 months $300
- 3 months $420
Complete the form below to apply for advertising. You will then be directed to our payment page.
Record keeping for small business
http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.aspx?menuid=0&doc=/content/76494.htm&page=13&H13
Storing paper records electronically
Whether you use a manual or an electronic system, you can store and keep paper records electronically.
We accept the imaging of business paper records onto an electronic storage medium, provided the electronic copies are:
- a true and clear reproduction of the original paper records
- kept for five years
- capable of being retrieved and read by us at all times.
You don’t have to keep original paper records once they have been imaged onto an electronic storage medium.
| For more information, refer to: |
| Basic record keeping principles and practices apply, regardless of whether you keep manual or electronic business records.You can apply the principlesoutlined in this guide to either a paper cash book, or an electronic spreadsheet or package. |
Sections within Electronic record keeping requirements
10 ways to avoid the home-office blues
July 4, 2011
A good friend wants to quit her business and get a corporate job. She is sick of uncertain income, no holiday pay and working by herself each day. Like many home-based business owners she is suffering from isolation, a more dangerous problem than many realise.
Isolation can leave them feeling flat, unmotivated and hopeless. If it persists, isolation can trigger anxiety or depression. I suspect it is a key reason why many home-based business owners, like my friend, get a company job again, even though if often involves a pay cut and little recognition for general skills developed running a small business.
Being able to work by yourself for several years is a tremendous skill. How would you cope working 50 hours a week by yourself in a small room at home, for days, months and years on end? Talking to clients each day by phone or email is no substitute for personal contact.
I meet many business owners who rave about the joys of working from home: more time, freedom and money seems like a dream, at least at the start. Then their business slows, and being on your own with less work is excruciating. Or they simply crave professional interaction.
What’s your view?
- Have you suffered from isolation in your home-based business?
- How did you get out of your rut?
- What advice could you give other business owners to reduce isolation risks?
Here are 10 suggestions for those thinking about, or currently working from home, full-time. Some cost money, so may not suit cash-strapped business owners. Other ideas cost nothing and could make a big difference for those feeling isolated.
1. Plan for it
Have a strategy to deal with isolation risks. Develop a weekly routine that forces you to mix with others – and stick to it. If you can, allocate a day each week to meet contacts, prospect for new clients, and get out of your home office.
2. Get a mentor
Mentors are especially important for home-based business owners who are serious about their venture. Find someone you trust who can provide business, career and personal advice, and connect you with others.
3. Consider a business coach
I have seen struggling, unhappy small business owners transform their venture – and themselves – with the advice of a good coach. Yes, it can be costly, but so too is making decisions about closing a business when you are feeling blue.
4. Do a part-time university subject
If you can afford it, allocate a night a week (over two semesters or 24 weeks each year) for a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate business course. It is amazing how learning new ideas and skills, and meeting new people, can boost self-confidence and motivation.
5. Form a small group of like-minded business owners
A colleague organises a monthly meeting for half a dozen entrepreneurs. It is little more than a coffee or beer, but meeting other business owners and hearing their opportunities and problems is refreshing. Alternatively, join a business association or club.
6. Consider co-working
It is no surprise that co-working is more popular with Generation Y freelancers who meet at night in inner-city locations and work together. Older home-based business owners can do their own version of co-working by sharing the cost of office space among, say, five or 10 people. That way you can work from home and still have a low-cost office to go to when you crave working near others.
7. Plan to meet new people
Set a goal to make a new contact every week. It is easier said than done for a home-based business owner who feels isolated or is time pressured, but networking is critical regardless of venture size, and incredibly energising.
8. Don’t be a sloth
You can easily let yourself go when working from home. Regular exercise is important for physical and mental wellbeing. Every home-based business owner should allocate at least 45 minutes a day for exercise, preferably at a gym or another form of exercise where you mix with others. Get out of those daggy pants, consider your personal grooming and keep your office clean. Change your workspace at least once or twice a year.
9. Set boundaries
The big danger of home-based business is too much blurring of work and professional life. Make sure you leave the house when you have a day off. Working all week from home and spending most of the weekend at home is a sure way to feel isolated over time.
10. Seek professional help
Get medical help if feelings of isolation, sadness or lack of motivation persist. It is too serious a problem to rely only on the suggestions above. Recognise if you are starting to withdraw from social contact, or working all the time in your home office to avoid mixing with others or deal with other problems.
- The national depression initiative Beyond Blue (www.beyondblue.org.au) has information that can help entrepreneurs deal with mental health problems.
- The Business In Mind project (www.businessinmind.edu.au) from the University of Tasmania has information to help managers recognise the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety in themselves and their employees, and provides tips for addressing mental health issues.
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Submit a Job Request
Fill out the form below to request contact from suitably qualified and skilled Virtual Assistants.
Our members generally charge a minimum of $30 per hour – increasing based on service type, skills and experience.
What happens next?
- After submitting this form, the “job” will be open to the network for 7 days unless otherwise specified. You can request for the job to be removed earlier if you receive enough responses.
- You will be emailed applications by appropriately skilled and experienced Virtual Assistants who will explain to you how they can assist you with your requirements. Each VA is an independent contractor and has their own business with unique skills, qualifications, rates and agreements. Our reference checked VAs will provide you with a unique ref number to identify them as reference checked. Those without reference checks may still be establishing a client base.
Your requirements:
You are under no obligation to utilise the business support services of any of our Virtual Assistants, however our only requirement of you is that you RESPOND to each VA who contacts you, to let them know if they were successful or not. Our VAs spend their valuable time contacting you to discuss business solutions and they appreciate a response and any feedback that you are willing to provide. Thank you!
Benefits of using a VA
What is a Virtual Assistant?
A term for home-based secretary, administrative support, and others who supply remote or virtual assistance. No need to provide office space, equipment or software – we have our own! Work is carried out ‘virtually’ from our offices, no matter where you are!
A Virtual Assistant is an Independent Contractor, therefore, you do not pay payroll taxes or benefits.
A Virtual Assistant is convenient! A VA is available when you have work that needs to be done yesterday. A VA can ensure that business people working in a home office have access to all of the support benefits enjoyed by a business person in the corner office of a major corporation – without having to hire any employees!
What are the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) as opposed to an employee?
There are numerous benefits:
- Access to a professional and highly trained Executive Assistant.
- No need to provide office equipment and space.
- No need for ongoing training of administration staff.
- No need to advertise for and interview administration staff.
- Less costs associated to projects – pay for time used only!
- Fresh ideas and perspectives on administration management for your organisation.
Who can use Virtual Assistants?
Almost any type of business industry can benefit from working with a VA. Some industries have embraced the concept and are widely using VAs while others are bound by “tradition”. Industries or businesses that truly work well with VAs are:
- Contractors.
- Entertainment Industry.
- Independent Professionals.
- Real Estate Agents/Realtors.
- Marketing Consultants.
- Attorneys.
- Executives.
- Physicians.
- New Small Businesses.
- Telecommuters.
- Web Based Businesses.
Virtual Assistant vs. Employee
- No employee-related taxes, paperwork, insurance, or benefits.
- No extra office space or equipment costs.
- You only pay for “Time on Task” or by project.
- The ability to stay on schedule.
- Extra staff during seasonal or peak activity time.
- Support on as needed basis, with fast turn around time.
- Weekend and evening assistance.
Choose Membership
It is a condition of membership that you read our membership conditions before application. By submitting your application, you are declaring that you have read the conditions and agree to all points.
Please select the membership option. You will be redirected to PayPal to confirm your membership.
Please note:
Your membership will not be active unless you complete a payment option below.
You will be redirected back to the website after payment to create your logins.
Monthly Membership – $15 per month. (First month only $5.00!)*
Annual Membership $167.50 per year recurring subscription (First month trial only $5.00!)*
Annual Membership $167.50 – non-subscription – requires manual renewal – can use credit card.
Resources
Take the ATO test here.
Sites we love 
www.runyourbusinesslife.com.au
Handy Sites 
- Exit Strategy article -
http://www.e-myth.com/cs/user/print/post/exit-your-company-the-right-way
- Converting colours from RGB to CMYK
http://www.goffgrafix.com/pantone-rgb-100.php
- Converting image files
http://www.coolutils.com/Online-Image-Converter.php
- Setting up a 1300 or 1800 phone number -
http://www.alltel.com.au/
- If you want to check if a particular website is down or if it’s just you having issues with it, this is a good bookmark to keep handy…
http://downforeveryoneorjustme.com/
- The Small Business Hub – Great online resource for businesses.
http://www.thesbhub.com.au/
- Adobe eSeminars- BLISS! For any Adobe junkie out there, this site is a must-bookmark.
http://www.adobeeseminars.com.au/
- What’s your Elevatory Speech? 30 second infomercial? How do you simply explain what it is you actually do? This can help you -
http://www.15secondpitch.com/
- This is a fabulous site when you work on websites – see how the site looks in a variety of browsers-
http://www.browsershots.com
- If you offer proofreading services you might want to subscribe to the grammar tips e-newsletter or download the ‘common grammar rules’ document. ProofReadNow.
http://www.proofreadnow.com/
- International Social Media Association-
http://www.ismaconnects.org/
- Online Tech- this page shows how to manage email rules -
http://www.online-tech-tips.com/ms-office-tips/outlook-tip-2-how-to-use-email-rules-to-automatically-move-incoming-emails-into-folders/
- Website Gear - breadcrumbs for your website nav.
http://content.websitegear.com/article/breadcrumb_navigation.htm
- Association for the Protection of Internet Copyright! -
http://www.a-w.org/index.html
- Check to see what was hosted on your domain address in the past! This is FABULOUS especially when you have a new site to develop for a client who ‘used to have something up’ – now you can find it!
Waybackmachine
